US condemns anti-gay laws in Gambia

The United States on Monday said it was “deeply concerned” about a new law making homosexuality punishable by life in prison in Gambia, where gays already have endured years of intolerance and harassment. The measure signed into law last month by President Yahya Jammeh targets people deemed guilty of “aggravated homosexuality,” who could face life in prison, as could people with HIV. Before October, same-sex relationships in Gambia were already punishable by up to 14 years in jail. “We are dismayed by President Jammeh’s decision to sign into law legislation that further restricts the rights of LGBT individuals and are deeply concerned about the reported arrests and detention of suspected LGBT individuals in The Gambia,” the State Department said.